Chairman's Update
February 2008
When I think back over my career and remember the days I served as membership chair for ISPA, it is hard to believe where I find myself now - in my second year serving as your chairman and preparing to hand over the reigns to our next leaders. In March, we will begin accepting applications for the ISPA Board of Directors; then, the story of spa will be in your hands. You may be considering if you, too, are ready to adopt a leadership role, and I encourage you to look within yourself when deciding if this is an intriguing route you may want to venture down. While ISPA is reaching out to grasp new hands in a partnership that will forever alter the spa industry's destiny, this is a reminder to all ISPA members of the opportunities that are sometimes obvious, but often times the hidden gems that enrich a community so fluently.
This past year was as a time of imagination, when we were inspired by our colleagues and the clientele who continue to seek out the spa lifestyle that we all fully embrace. While visiting Pasadena, Calif., for the January Knowledge Network & Marketplace, I was able to witness, firsthand, the excitement attendees are feeling for our progress. The steps that ISPA is taking to leverage our resources in partnership with other organizations and events is in direct response to your requests, proving that the inspiration we sought throughout the 2007 Conference is finding its time to shine.
As progress is a never-ending challenge, we will continue to seek out all potential ways to grow the association when we collaborate in March during our strategic planning meeting in Louisville, Ky. But as we prepare for the new leaders to come, this is also an opportunity to take a look at the qualities we each possess and decide if they are indeed being used most influentially.
This is something I recently considered when deciding to accept a new, rewarding role as President at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in California. New beginnings are perfect opportunities for a revival of the soul, when we can take off the blinders that often times form so easily, and reassess our professional and personal lives. As ISPA is your association, working in tandem with the needs of today's spa professionals, we are here to help you use your talents most effectively. There is a leader in us all, and as members of the ISPA family, it is our duty to use these talents to foster the progress of tomorrow. I would enjoy hearing from you. Please e-mail me at boardchairman@ispastaff.com.
With thanks,
Jim Root
ISPA Chairman